3-Acyl-2-(substituted) amino-5-halo-6-(substituted) pyrazine antimicrobial compounds, compositions and use

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: Hal is bromine or chlorine; and 
     R is halo; mono- or di-substituted mono- or diloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkyl substituents are hydroxy or loweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano; mercapto; straight or branched chain C 1-8  alkylthio; mono- or di-substituted loweralkylthio wherein the substituents are hydroxy, amino, loweralkanoylamino, or loweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio; loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl; 
     R 1  is hydrogen; or loweralkyl; 
     R 2  is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH 2 ) n  COOR a , where R a  is hydrogen, loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3; 
     R 1  and R 2  are taken together with an oxygen or nitrogen atom to form morpholino, piperazinyl, or piperazinyl which is N-loweralkyl substituted; and 
     R 3  is hydrogen; straight or branched C 1-8  alkyl, provided that when R 3  is hydrogen or C 1-8  alkyl, R is other than halo; aryl; aryl substituted with up to two members selected from the group consisting of C 1-3  alkyl, C 1-3  alkoxy, halo, and mono- or di-C 1-3  alkyl substituted amino; heteroaryl; formyl C 2-4  alkenyl; or C 2-4  alkenyl; 
     are useful in various agricultural and industrial applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is concerned with novel compounds which are3-acyl-2-(substituted) amino-5-halo-6-(substituted)pyrazines.

The present invention is also concerned with antimicrobial compositionscontaining these novel compounds as active ingredients, as well as witha method of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi by contactingsaid bacteria and fungi with the novel compounds of the presentinvention. These novel compounds have a number of important industrialand agricultural applications.

As used herein, the terms "antimicrobial", "bactericidal", and"fungicidal", describe the killing of, as well as the inhibition of orcontrol of the growth of bacteria and fungi. A number of importantindustries can experience serious adverse effects from the activity ofsuch bacteria and fungi on the raw materials which they employ, onvarious aspects of their manufacturing activities, or on the finishedproducts which they produce. Such industries include the paint, wood,textile, cosmetic, leather, tobacco, fur, rope, paper, pulp, plastics,fuel, oil, rubber, and machine industries. Important applications of thenovel antimicrobial compounds of the present invention include:inhibiting the growth of bacteria in aqueous paints, adhesives, latexemulsions, and joint cements; preserving wood; preserving cutting oils;controlling slime-producing bacteria and fungi in pulp and paper millsand cooling towers; as a spray or dip treatment for textiles and leatherto prevent mold growth; as an additive to polyvinylchloride and otherplastics to prevent growth thereon and degradation thereof by bacteriaand fungi; as a component of anti-fouling paints to prevent adherence offouling organisms; protecting paint films, especially exterior paints,from attack by fungi which occurs during weathering of the paint film;protecting processing equipment from slime deposits during manufactureof cane and beet sugar; preventing microorganism buildup and deposits inair washer or scrubber systems and in industrial fresh water supplysystems; controlling microorganism contamination and deposits in oilfield drilling fluids and muds, and in secondary petroleum recoveryprocesses; preventing bacterial and fungal growth in paper coatingprocesses which might adversely affect the quality of the paper coating;controlling bacterial and fungal growth and deposits during themanufacture of various specialty boards, e.g., cardboard and particleboard; preventing sap stain discoloration on freshly cut wood of variouskinds; controlling bacterial and fungal growth in clay and pigmentslurries of various types which are manufactured for later use in papercoating and paint manufacturing for example, and which are susceptibleto degradation by microorganisms during storage and transport; and as ahard surface disinfectant to prevent growth of bacteria and fungi onwalls, floors, etc. The control of bacteria and fungi in pulp and papermill water systems which contain aqueous dispersions of papermakingfibers is especially important. The uncontrolled buildup of slimeproduced by the accumulation of bacteria and fungi causes offgradeproduction, decreased production due to breaks and greater cleanupfrequency, increased raw material usage, and increased maintenancecosts. The problem of slime deposits has been aggravated by thewidespread use of closed white water systems in the paper industry.

Another important area where control of bacterial and fungal growth isvital is in clay and pigment slurries. These slurries are of variousclays, e.g. kaolin, and pigments, e.g. calcium carbonate and titaniumdioxide, and are manufactured usually at a location separate from theend use application, in for example, paper coating and paintmanufacturing, and are then stored and held for later transport to theend use location. Because of the high quality standards for the paperand paint final products in which the slurry is used, it is essentialthat the clay or pigment slurry have a very low microorganism count orcontent so that it is usable in the paper coating or paintmanufacturing.

The novel antimicrobial compounds of the present invention may also beutilized for agricultural and animal health applications, for example inpreventing or minimizing the growth of harmful bacterial and/or fungi onplants, trees, fruit, seeds, or soil. At the same time there is obtainedby their use a pronounced growth-stimulating action producing not onlyan abundant root system but also a luxuriant growth above ground, thisbeing accompanied by a substantial increase in the yield of the crop peracre as compared not only with untreated plants and soils, but also withother, widely used foliar and soil fungicides. The novel antimicrobialcompounds are especially useful in treating seed to preventmicroorganism, particularly fungal attack. The novel antimicrobialcompounds are also useful in protecting animal dip compositions againstthe buildup of microorganisms, and for this purpose may be combined witha veterinary animal dip parasiticide and an acceptable carrier.

The novel antimicrobial compounds of the present invention have beenfound especially useful in controlling the harmful effects ofmicroorganisms in water or aqueous media. Systems which utilizecirculating water or aqueous media become infected with microorganismsand experience substantial impairment of their efficiency when depositsof the microorganisms build up in the system. The deposits, calledslimes, coat the walls of tanks and other vessels, and any machinery orprocessing equipment which is employed, and create blockages in pipesand valves. The slimes also create discolorations and otherimperfections in any products being produced, forcing costly shutdowns.Control of microorganisms in aqueous media is particularly importantwhere there are dispersed particles or fines in the aqueous media, e.g.,dispersed cellulosic fibers and dispersed fillers and pigments inpapermaking, and dispersed pigments in paint manufacture.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Cragoe and Jones, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,274,192; 3,299,063; 3,341,540; and3,487,082 all disclose various pyrazine compounds useful as diuretics.However, the novel pyrazines of the present invention are not suggested,nor is their use as antimicrobial agents.

Donald, U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,655 describes the use ofaminodicyanopyrazines for controlling plant diseases caused by fungi.However, the novel pyrazines of the present invention are not suggested.

Grier et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,145,426; 3,626,060; and 4,119,779 alldescribe various antibacterial and antifungal compounds for agriculturaland industrial use. However, none of these compounds are pyrazines, andthe novel pyrazines of the present invention are not suggested.

Kohn and Singer, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,854,000 and 3,763,176 describe the useof certain thiadiazolin-4-ones as antimicrobial agents. However, thenovel pyrazines of the present invention are not suggested.

Albert and Clark, J.C.S., 1666-1673 (1964), describe various pyrazines.However, no use for these pyrazines is suggested, and the novelpyrazines of the present invention are not suggested.

Kyowa published Japanese application No. 5164-606 describes2,3-dicyanopyrazine compounds used as antimicrobial agents. However,there is no suggestion of the novel pyrazine compounds of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a novel3-acyl-2-(substituted)amino-5-halo-6-(substituted)pyrazine antimicrobialcompound of the formula: ##STR2## wherein:

Hal is bromine or chlorine; and

R is halo; mono- or di-substituted mono- or diloweralkylamino whereinthe loweralkyl substituents are hydroxy or loweralkanoyloxy;4-morpholino; thiocyano; mercapto; straight or branched chain C₁₋₈alkylthio; mono- or di-substituted loweralkylthio wherein thesubstituents are hydroxy, amino, loweralkanoylamino, orloweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio; loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl;

R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl;

R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n) COOR^(a), where R^(a) is hydrogen,loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3;

R¹ and R² are taken together with an oxygen or nitrogen atom to formmorpholino, piperazinyl, or piperazinyl which is N-loweralkylsubstituted; and

R³ is hydrogen; straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl, provided that when R³is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo; aryl; aryl substitutedwith up to two members selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl,C₁₋₃ alkoxy, halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkyl substituted amino;heteroaryl; formyl C₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl.

The loweralkyl substituents recited above represent, except whereotherwise indicated, any of the variables of straight, branched, andunsaturated chain hydrocarbon radicals of from one to four carbon atoms,such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, t-butyl; orvinyl, allyl, butenyl, and the like.

The halo substituent represents bromo or chloro.

The loweralkoxy substituent represents a loweralkyl group as describedabove attached through an oxygen bridge.

The loweralkanoyl substituent represents a loweralkyl group attachedthrough a carbonyl bridge.

The aryl substituent represents phenyl, naphthyl, or biphenyl.

The heteroaryl substituent recited above represents any 5- or 6-memberedaromatic ring containing from one to three heteroatoms selected from thegroup consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; for example, pyridyl,thienyl, furyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, and triazolyl.

Preferred 3-acyl-2-(substituted)amino-5-halo-6-(substituted)pyrazinecompounds of the present invention are the following:

5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;

5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;

5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;

5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;

5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;

5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.

In accordance with the present invention there is further provided anantimicrobial composition comprising a carrier and an antimicrobiallyeffective amount of a novel pyrazine of Formula I.

The novel pyrazine antimicrobial compound active ingredient of thepresent invention may be used in diverse formulations: solid, includingfinely divided powders and granular materials; as well as liquid, suchas solutions, emulsions, suspensions, concentrates, emulsifiableconcentrates, slurries and the like, depending upon the applicationintended, and the formulation media desired. Further, when the novelpyrazine antimicrobial compound is liquid, it may be employed neat ormay be incorporated into various formulations, both solid and liquid, asan adsorbate on suitable inert carriers such as talc, clays,diatomaceous earth and the like.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the novel pyrazine antimicrobialcompounds may be employed to form antimicrobial formulations containingone or more of the compounds as the essential active ingredient, whichformulations may also contain a variety of carrier materials adaptableto industrial and agricultural applications including finely divided dryor liquid diluents, extenders, clays, diatomaceous earth, talc and thelike, or water and various organic liquids such as loweralkanols,kerosene, benzene, toluene and other petroleum distillate fractions ormixtures thereof.

Antimicrobial compositions suitable for application to inanimatesurfaces of growing plants or crops, which contain the novel pyrazineantimicrobial compounds of this invention, may be compounded in avariety of conventional formulations. However, such formulations musttake account of the solubility characteristics of the particular novelpyrazine antimicrobial compounds utilized in the present invention. Forexample, the pyrazines are soluble in paraffinic oils such as xylene toan extent of less than 2%, whereas solubility of the order of 20 to 40%would be required to employ such oils as formulation media. On the otherhand, such oils as do provide the required solubility for the pryazinesare not useful in preparing agricultural formulations because of cost,toxicity, etc.

The novel pyrazine antimicrobial compounds utilized in the presentinvention can be formulated as suspension concentrates or "flowable"formulations in either an oil or water base. Such formulations mustinclude the proper amounts and types of suspending agents oremulsifiers, and preferably also stabilizers, spreading agents, andsticking agents. Well-known techniques and materials are employed inpreparing these formulations. Suitable emulsifiers or suspending agentsinclude both cationic and nonionic compounds such as sodium alkylsulfates ("Draft"), alkyl and alkyl-aryl sulfonates ("Nacconal N.M." andDupont "MP-189"), alkyl-aryl polyester alcohols ("Spans"), and ethyleneoxide addition products ("Tweens"). The nonionics are the preferredsurfactants and include alkylphenol-ethylene-oxide condensation productssuch as isooctylphenol-polyethylene oxide condensates ("Triton X-100"),the various "spans" (sorbitan monopalmitate, stearate or oleate) and"Tweens" (e.g., sorbitan monolaurate-"Tween 20"). These materials canconstitute from 0.05 to 10 percent of the active agents.

It is desirable to include a sticking agent or adhesive in thecomposition in the range of about 1/2 to 5 percent of the activematerial. These can be in the form of resins which are soluble ordispersible in water, and include cellulose ethers, waxes, polyvinylpyrrolidine, and powdered polyethylene. Sticking agents may also beincluded in small proportion (about 1/2 to 5 percent of the activesubstance), these including glycerin and nonvolatile polyethyleneglycols.

For agricultural use these formulations may be diluted with water andapplied to the foliage or soil. Adjuvants can be mixed with the activematerial before use or they may be sold as such in the dry conditionadmixed with the active material. The mixture then may be added to waterjust prior to use.

The emulsifying or suspending agents all, both singly and in admixture,serve the function of uniformly distributing the active ingredient inthe aqueous or organic emulsions or suspensions, marketed asconcentrates so that on mixing with water by the user there is produceda uniform mixture for application to the soil, seeds or plants.

The novel pyrazines utilized in the present invention may also beformulated as wettable powders.

For formulating wettable powders, various adjuvants and suspendingagents can be employed such as are listed in Soap and ChemicalSpecialties, Volume 31, Number 7, p. 61 Ed. Seq.; No. 8 pp. 48-61; No.9, pp. 52-57 and No. 10 pp. 38-67 (1955) and in Bulletin No. 607 of theBureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, Department of Agriculture,Washington, D.C. The suspending agents include detergents of variouskinds.

In the form of liquid concentrates or wettable powders as describedabove, the active component can comprise from 5 to 90 percent by weightof the composition, the remainder being the liquid carrier which caninclude any of the agents discussed above.

The novel pyrazines may also be formulated as dusts or granularformulations.

For use in the form of a dust or granular formulation the novelpyrazines may be blended with any suitable proportion of a variety ofexcipients including diluents, suspending and spreading agents and otheradjuvants in pulverulent form (preferably below 50 micron particlesize). Usually, the inert carrier will range in percentage compositionfrom about 1 to 80 percent of the total composition and will includeabout one to five parts of a dispersing agent for 100 parts of activecompound.

Suitable diluents include natural clays such as china clays, talc,bentonite, attapulgites and other similar inert material, and alsopyrophyllites, diatomaceous earth, fuller's earth, chalk, rockphosphates, and also chemically modified minerals such as acid-washedbentonite, precipitated calcium phosphate and carbonate, colloidalsilica, mica, pumice, vermiculite, wood flour, and grain flours. Therecan also be employed inert metal oxides and hydroxides such as titaniumdioxide, aluminum oxide, and bauxite. Diluents such as clays, talc,bentonite and other mineral powders may be oil treated to increase theiradhesivity; the oil being either a mineral hydrocarbon oil or avegetable oil or an animal fatty oil.

The novel pyrazines utilized in the present invention may also beformulated as solutions in gamma-butyrolactone or N-methylpyrrolidinone.These solutions may be used as such or may additionally includeadditives of the types described in detail above. These solutions mayalso serve as the basis for other types of formulations as described indetail above.

The compositions can include various insecticides which are nonreactivewith the novel pyrazine antimicrobial compound.

It will be understood also that the novel pyrazine antimicrobialcompound active ingredients may be used in combination, wherecompatible, with other antimicrobial materials. For example, the novelpyrazine compounds can be combined with other fungicides andbactericides such as 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole, sorbic acid,propionic acid, mycostatin, sodium diacetate, trichomycin, amphotericin,griseofulvin, undecylenic acid, esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid,chlorguinaldol, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, sodium-o-phenylphenate,o-phenylphenol, biphenyl chlorinated phenols, and sodium benzoate, inappropriate concentrations and in appropriate instances so as to combinethe action of each to obtain particularly useful results. Suchcombinations might find particular application in the preparation ofgermicidal soaps, in the production of cosmetics and aqueous coatingsand in combatting paper mill slime accumulations.

In accordance with the present invention there is still further provideda method of inhibiting the growth of at least one of: bacteria and fungicomprising contacting said bacteria and fungi with a bactericidally andfungicidally effective amount of a novel pyrazine antimicrobial compoundof Formula I.

The antimicrobial methods of treatment of the present invention involvecontacting the microorganisms involved with the novel pyrazineantimicrobial compound. This can be accomplished by simple addition ofthe compound. The article or system being treated will thus haveincorporated therein or have applied thereto the desired dosageconcentration of the compound.

As noted above, the instant invention is based upon the discovery thatthe novel pyrazine antimicrobial compounds described above are effectivein controlling the growth of bacteria and fungi in a variety ofindustrial and agricultural applications. It has been found, forexample, that the novel pyrazine compounds are effective antimicrobialsfor the destruction or control of soil fungi and bacteria and for theprotection of seeds, bulbs and plants. The utility of the novel pyrazineantimicrobial compounds of this invention is shown not only by theiractivity against bacteria and fungi responsible for stunting growth, andeven destruction of many types of crop-producing plants, but alsoagainst those causing degradation and deterioration of many types ofindustrial products including, for example, paper, leather, textiles,aqueous systems such as adhesives, resins, drilling fluids, pigmentdispersions and latex paints and oleoresinous coatings whose films areparticularly vulnerable to the destructive action of fungi. The largeeconomic losses encountered in paper-making operations caused by theaccumulation of bacterial and fungal slimes in various parts of thesystem can be eliminated to a significant extent by use of the novelpyrazine compounds described herein.

Thus, for pulp and paper mill systems, there is provided a method ofinhibiting the growth of slime-forming bacteria and fungi, usuallyencountered in pulp and paper mill systems, comprising incorporatinginto the mass of fiber and water in such a pulp and paper mill system soas to contact said bacteria and fungi, at least a bactericidally andfungicidally effective amount of a novel pyrazine antimicrobial compoundof Formula I.

There is further provided a method of inhibiting the growth of bacteriaand fungi in aqueous slurries of clays or pigments comprisingincorporating into said aqueous slurry so as to contact said bacteriaand fungi, at least a bactericidally and fungicidally effective amountof a novel pyrazine antimicrobial compound of Formula I.

There is still further provided a method of inhibiting the growth ofbacteria and fungi in latex paints and latex emulsions and adhesivescomprising incorporating into said latex paints, emulsions, andadhesives so as to contact said bacteria and fungi, at least abactericidally and fungicidally effective amount of a novel pyrazineantimicrobial compound of Formula I.

There is yet futher provided a method of inhibiting the growth ofbacteria and fungi in metalworking fluids comprising incorporating intosaid fluids so as to contact said bacteria and fungi, at least abactericidally and fungicidally effective amount of a novel pyrazine andantimicrobial compound of Formula I.

There is yet further provided a method of protecting soil, seeds, plantsand crops against destructive bacteria and fungi which comprisesapplying thereto at least a bactericidally and fungicidally effectiveamount of a novel pyrazine compound of Formula I.

The antimicrobial activity of the compounds described above has beenconfirmed using standard laboratory techniques. They have been foundeffective, for example, in inhibiting bacteria including Aerobacteraerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcusaureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bordetella brontiseptica, Klebsiellapneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. They have been found effective alsoagainst fungi including Ustilago zeae, Alternaria solani, Botrytisallii, Helminthosporium cynodontis, Verticillium serrae, Fusariumoxysporum, and Pullularia pullulans. Such bacteria and/or fungi commonlyare found on cereal and grain products, in clay and pigment slurries, inoils, on fruits and vegetables and on cosmetics, leather, electricalinsulation, textiles and numerous other materials capable of supportingtheir growth. Also, such bacteria and/or fungi may be found on plants,seeds, fur and wood and in soils.

As noted above, it has been found that growth of various harmful fungiand bacteria existing in soil is eliminated or limited by use offormulations containing the novel pyrazine antimicrobial compoundsdescribed herein. The term "soil" as used here is intended to includeall media capable of supporting growth of plants and may include humus,sand, manure, compost, artificially created plant growth solutions andthe like.

The novel pyrazine antimicrobial compounds described above have activityagainst bacteria and fungi when employed at appropriate levels ofconcentration and may be used to inhibit growth of these organisms. Itwill be obvious to those skilled in the art that the required effectiveconcentration will vary with particular organisms and in particularapplications. In general, however, effective fungicidal and bactericidalresponse is obtained when the novel pyrazine antimicrobial compound isemployed in concentrations ranging between 10 and 1000 ppm (parts permillion).

For latex paints, latex emulsions and adhesives, amounts of from 100 to1000 ppm, preferably 200 to 500 ppm, of a novel pyrazine of Formula Iare added during manufacture of the paint, emulsion, or adhesive inorder to protect the system during in-can storage against bacteria andfungi.

For aqueous clay and pigment slurries, amounts of from 10 to 250 ppm,preferably 75 to 200 ppm of a novel pyrazine Formula I are added to saidslurries in order to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in saidslurries; and for pulp and paper mills, amounts of from 50 to 250 ppm,preferably 100 to 200 ppm, of a novel pyrazine of Formula I, are addedto the pulp suspension in a paper mill in order to inhibit the growth ofslime-forming bacteria and fungi.

For metalworking fluids, i.e. cutting oils, amounts of from 100 to 1000ppm, preferably 250 to 750 ppm, of a novel pyrazine of Formula I, areadded in order to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi during theuse cycle of an oil-water lubricant for metal surfaces.

Both in the powdered and in the liquid forms, the novel pyrazinecompounds and compositions of this invention can be used as seeddressing to destroy seed-borne fungus spores and bacteria, both toincrease the percentage germination and to protect the young plants androots systems. Further, young plant roots can be dipped in suchcompounds and compositions to protect them against fungal attack.

The novel pyrazine compounds and compositions of the present inventioncan be used with advantage in sterilizing the soil on which are grownvarious vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products, such asbeans, soy beans, sugar beets, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, corn,peanuts, tomatoes, cotton, alfalfa, oats and clover, among others, andcan also be applied to seeds and plants to protect them againstdestructive micro-organisms.

For such applications, the novel pyrazine compounds of Formula I may beemployed in amounts of from 2 to 200 ppm, preferably 5 to 100 ppm.

For soil applications, generally, it is best to apply the composition tothe top of the ground and then turn the soil over. Thus, 60 gallons ofwater can contain 5 pounds of the active substance to be applied peracre, thus yielding 5 ppm when the soil is turned over to depth of 3inches. (At a 3 inch depth, 1 pound of antibacterial substance per acreis equivalent approximately to 1 ppm.) In case of cotton, for which thesoil need be turned over for only a 2" depth, a correspondingly smalleramount of the active compound need be used. On the other hand, when thesoil is plowed or turned over to a depth of 6", as for potatoes, acorrespondingly larger amount is used.

The new compositions are effective also against the various fungi thatinfest fruit trees. Thus, apple trees can be sprayed, before fruit set,with an aqueous suspension, prepared by mixing, say, 100 gallon of waterwith an amount of the commercially prepared composition containing anovel pyrazine compound for Formula I such that 5 to 20 ppm arecontained in the spray suspension. Other fruit trees like peach andcherry, can be treated in similar fashion.

For other applications of the type described above, amounts of from0.005 to 0.05% by weight, based on weight of the substrate beingtreated, of a novel antimicrobial compound of the present invention isincorporated into, sprayed onto, used to dip, or otherwise applied tothe substrate to be treated in order to prevent growth of bacteria andfungi.

Of course, the precise dosages of the novel pyrazine compounds whichwill be employed depend upon a number of factors. First, the dosage isindicated in parts per million (ppm), which refers to the concentrationof the active ingredient in the environment being treated, for example,the concentration of a particular novel pyrazine in a clay slurry. Thisconcentration is based on 100% active ingredient for convenience inevaluating and comparing test data. In actual practice, however, variouspercentages of active ingredient may actually be used, with the balanceof the composition being added comprising conventional excipients suchas dispersants, stabilizers, preservatives, co-solvents, diluents, andthe like.

The novel pyrazine antimicrobial compounds of Formula I may be preparedin accordance with the following illustrative reaction schemes: ##STR3##

Where R is loweralkanoyloxy-substituted loweralkamino, the novelpyrazine of Formula I may simply be prepared from the correspondinghydroxy-substituted loweralkylamino pyrazine by treating it with theappropriate lower alkanoic acid anhydride, e.g., acetic anhydride.Similarly, where R is loweralkanoylamino-substituted loweralkylthio, thenovel pyrazine of Formula I may be prepared from the correspondingamino-substituted loweralkylthio pyrazine by treating it with theappropriate loweralkanoic acid anhydride, e.g., acetic anhydride.

Where R is thiocyano, the novel pyrazine of Formula I may be prepared bytreating the starting material with ammonium thiocyanate.

The following examples will serve to further illustrate the presentinvention, without at the same time, however, constituting anylimitation thereof.

EXAMPLE 1 5,6-Dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine A.Cyanopyrazine

In 10 ml of phosphoryl chloride at reflux temperature there was stirredpyrazineamide (20 g; 0.162 M) for 1 hour. Excess phosphoryl chloride wasthen removed and water aspirated. Ice was added to the residue, followedby sodium carbonate until basic, then extraction with 150 ml of etherfive times. The combined extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, andthe solvent then removed in vacuo to give the title compound (12.9 g).

B. Chlorocyanopyrazine

In 90 ml of benzene and 9.2 ml of dimethylformamide there was stirred atroom temperature cyanopyrazine (12.7 g; 0.12 M) prepared in Step Aabove, after which there was added over 10 minutes sulfonyl chloride(64.79 g; 0.48 M). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes in anice bath, then allowed to warm up to room temperature gradually, afterwhich it was stirred for 5 hours. The benzene layer was decanted, andthe reddish oil residue was extracted three times with ether, afterwhich the combined benzene and ether layers were quenched with ice waterand cooled in an ice bath. The combined layers were then neutralizedwith solid sodium bicarbonate, then separated, and the aqueous layer wasextracted with ether. The combined organic layers were washed once witha small amount of water, dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, and thesolvent evaporated to give the title compound (11 g).

D. 2-(4-Morpholino)pyrazinecarbonitrile

In 8 ml of ether there was dissolved chlorocyanopyrazine (0.42 g; 0.003M) prepared in Step B above, after which there was added morpholine(0.28 g; 0.28 ml; 0.0033 Mol) followed by triethylamine (607 mg, 0.84ml; 0.006 M). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperatureovernight. The resulting precipitate was filtered, washed twice withether, and the filtrate concentrated under vacuum, then passed through asilica gel column and eluted with dichloromethane to give the titlecompound (520 mg).

D. 5,6-Dichloro-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazinecarbonitrile

In 10.04 ml of dimethylformamide (sieves) and 0.3 ml of benzene (sieves)there was dissolved (2-(4-morpholino)pyrazinecarbonitrile prepared inStep C above, after which there was added sulfonyl chloride (0.270 mg;0.16 ml; 0.002 M). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperatureovernight, then cooled in an ice bath, after which there was added etherand pieces of ice. The reaction mixture was neutralized with sodiumbicarbonate, the layers were separated, and the organic layer was washedwith water. The aqueous layer was extracted twice with ether, dried, andthe solvent evaporated, then passed through a silica gel column andeluted with dichloromethane to give the title compound as a yellowishoil (600 mg). Elemental Analysis for C₈ H₆ N₄ O₂ Cl₂.

    ______________________________________                                        % C           % H    % N       % O  % Cl                                      ______________________________________                                        Calcd.: 41.72     3.11   21.62   6.17 27.37                                   Found:  41.56     3.13   21.41   --   26.56                                   ______________________________________                                    

E. 5,6-Dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine

In 3 ml of sieve dried dichloromethane there was dissolved5,6-dichloro-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazinecarbonitrile (50 mg; 0.19 m Mol)prepared as in Step D above. One ml of chilled water containing DiBal(220 μl; 28 mg+10%; 0.20 mMol+10%) was then injected with a syringe over2 minutes. After one hour another 220 μl of DiBal was added, then 3 mlof isopropanol followed by 0.5 ml of saturated sodium sulfate solution.The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, and the resultingprecipitate filtered, washed with dichloromethane, and the filtrateblown down under nitrogen overnight. The residue was taken up indichloromethane, filtered, concentrated under vacuum to give the titlecompound (52 mg).

EXAMPLE 25-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine

In 7 ml of dimethylformamide and 370 ml of triethylamine there wasstirred 5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine (950 mg; 3.63mMol) prepared as in Example 1, Step E above, after which there wasadded (1-methylethyl)thiol (280 mg; 3.63 mMol), rinsing with 2 ml ofdimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 1 hour, after which a few drops of the pyrazine starting materialand triethylamine were added, with stirring for an additional 0.5 hour.The reaction mixture was blown down under nitrogen, and the residue wastaken up in ether, blown down under nitrogen again and taken up indichloromethane, then chromatographed on a silica gel column, elutingwith dichloromethane. The title compound was obtained in fractions 6through 11 (753 mg); m.p. 87°-88° C. Elemental Analysis for C₁₂ H₁₆ N₃O₂ ClS.

    ______________________________________                                        % C           % H    % N       % Cl  % S                                      ______________________________________                                        Calcd.: 47.76     5.34   13.92   11.75 10.62                                  Found:  47.56     5.25   13.88   11.90 10.64                                  ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 3 5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine

Dimethylamine gas was passed through 5 ml of chilled tetrahydrofuranuntil a concentration of 113 mg/ml was reached (45 minutes), and therewas then added 38 ml of this solution to a solution of5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine (1 g; 0.00382 Mol)prepared as in Example 1, Step E, in 4 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran at roomtemperature. A precipitate resulted, and the reaction mixture was blowndown under nitrogen, and the resulting residue was taken up indichloromethane and partitioned with water. The organic layer was driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum, then put through asilica gel column eluting with dichloromethane. The first fraction gavethe title compound (169 mg); m.p. 130°-131° C.

EXAMPLE 4 5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine

Employing 5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine (950 mg; 3.624mMol) prepared as in Example 1, Step E above, and following theprocedure described in Example 2, but employing instead methane thiolgas, there was prepared the title compound (yellow crystals, 472 mg);m.p. 123°-124° C.

Elemental Analysis for C₁₀ H₁₂ N₃ ClO₂ S:

EXAMPLE 5

    ______________________________________                                        % C           % H    % N       % Cl  % S                                      ______________________________________                                        Calcd.: 43.88     4.42   15.35   12.95 11.71                                  Found:  44.05     4.35   15.36   13.03 11.72                                  ______________________________________                                    

5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine

In 5 ml of dimethylformamide there was dissolved5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino) pyrazine (980 mg; 3.74 mMol)prepared as in Example 1, Step E above, after which there was addedtriethylamine (380 mg; 3.74 mMol), and the reaction mixture was stirredat room temperature. Morpholine (326 mg; 3.74 mMol) was then added, aprecipitate formed, and stirring was continued for 2.5 hour. Thereaction mixture was then blown down under nitrogen overnight, and theresidue taken up in dichloromethane. The filtrate was concentrated, andthe oil obtained was chromatographed on a silica gel column, elutingwith 9:1 dichloromethane/ethyl acetate, to give the title compound (989mg); m.p. 130°-131° C.

Elemental Analysis for C₁₃ H₁₇ N₄ ClO₃ :

    ______________________________________                                                 % C  % H        % N    % Cl                                          ______________________________________                                        Calcd.:    49.92  5.48       17.91                                                                              11.34                                       Found:     49.86  5.46       17.76                                                                              11.31                                       ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 6 5,6-Dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine A.Methyl[((3-methoxycarbonyl)pyrazinyl)amino]acetate

In 6 ml of ether there was dissolved2-chloro-3-(methoxycarbonyl)pyrazine (0.34 g; 0.002 Mol), after whichthere was added a 98% suspension of glycine methyl ester hydrochloride(0.26 g; 0.002 Mol) and triethylamine (0.41 g; 0.56 ml; 0.004 Mol). Thereaction mixture was stirred overnight, after which an additional 200 mgof the glycine and 300 mg of sodium iodide were added, and stirring wascontinued at room temperature for another three days. The precipitatewas filtered off and washed with ether, and the filtrate wasconcentrated under vacuum and passed through a silica gel column,eluting with dichloromethane, then 5% ethyl acetate in dichloromethane,followed by thin layer chromatography with ether/petroleum ether (2:1)to give the product (69 mg).

B. Methyl [(5,6-dichloro-3-(methoxycarbonyl)pyrazinyl)amino]acetate

In 0.2 ml of benzene there was suspended methyl[((3-methoxycarbonyl)pyrazinyl)amino]acetate (53 mg; 0.00024 Mol)prepared as in Step A above, after which there was addeddimethylformamide (0.02 ml). The reaction mixture was cooled in an icebath and sulfonyl chloride (135 mg; 0.08 ml; 0.001 Mol) was added, afterwhich it was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours. The reactionmixture was then cooled again in an ice bath and ether and pieces of icewere added, after which it was neutralized with sodium bicarbonate. Thelayers were separated, and the organic layer was washed with water,dried, and the solvent evaporated. The residue (41 mg) was passedthrough a silica gel column and eluted with dichloromethane to give theproduct (22 mg).

C. 5,6-Dichloro-3-hydroxymethyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine

In 2.5 ml of tetrahydrofuran there was dissolved methyl[(5,6-dichloro-3-(methoxycarbonyl)pyrazinyl)amino]acetate (50 mg),prepared as in Step B above, after which potassium borohydride (22 mg;0.0012 Mol) and lithium chloride (18 mg) were added. The reactionmixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. An additional 44 mgof potassium borohydride and 36 mg of lithium chloride were then added,and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours.Water (1 ml) was added, and the reaction mixture was cooled and stirredfor 15 minutes, after which potassium dihydrogen phosphate (653 mg;0.0048 Mol) was added. The solvent was blown off under nitrogen, and theresidue was taken up in dichloromethane and filtered. The precipitatewas washed twice with dichloromethane and once with ethyl acetate. Thecombined filtrates were concentrated under vacuum to give the titlecompound (32 mg).

D. 5,6-Dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine

A mixture of5,6-dichloro-3-hydroxymethyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine (38 mg;0.00016 Mol), prepared as in Step C above, and manganese dioxide (12 mg)was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours. Another 24 mg ofmanganese dioxide was added and stirring was continued for another 5hours. The manganese dioxide was filtered off, and the precipitate waswashed well with acetone. The crude reaction mixture dissolved in 1.5 lof acetone and 36 mg of manganese dioxide was added, followed bystirring at room temperature for 3.5 hours. The manganese dioxide wasfiltered off, and the precipitate was washed twice with acetone. Thefiltrate was concentrated under vacuum and passed through a silica gelcolumn, eluting with dichloromethane, then 1:1 ethylacetate/dichloromethane, to give the title compound (27 mg). ElementalAnalysis for C₇ H₇ O₂ N₃ Cl₂ :

    ______________________________________                                        % C           % H    % N       % O  % Cl                                      ______________________________________                                        Calcd.: 35.61     2.98   17.80   13.55                                                                              30.04                                   Found:  36.01     3.06   17.31   --   --                                      ______________________________________                                    

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula: ##STR4## wherein: Halis bromine or chlorine; andR is halo; mono- or di-substituted mono- ordiloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkyl substituents are hydroxy orloweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano; mercapto; straight orbranched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- or di-substituted loweralkylthiowherein the substituents are hydroxy, amino, loweralkanoylamino, orloweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio; loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl;R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl; R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n)COOR^(a), where R¹ is hydrogen, loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3;R¹ and R² are taken together with an oxygen or nitrogen atom to formmorpholino, piperazinyl, or piperazinyl which is N-loweralkylsubstituted; and R³ is hydrogen; straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl,provided that when R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo;aryl; aryl substituted with up to two members selected from the groupconsisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy, halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkylsubstituted amino; heteroaryl; formyl C₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl. 2.A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound is a memberselected from the group consisting essentiallyof:5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.
 3. Anantimicrobial composition comprising a carrier and an antimicrobiallyeffective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR5## wherein: Hal isbromine or chlorine; andR is halo; mono- or di-substituted mono- ordiloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkyl substituents are hydroxy orloweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano, mercapto; straight orbranched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- or di-substituted loweralkylthiowherein the substituents are hydroxy, amino, loweralkanoylamino, orloweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio; loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl;R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl; R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n)COOR^(a), where R^(a) is hydrogen, loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to3; R¹ and R² are taken together with an oxygen or nitrogen atom to formmorpholino, piperazinyl, or piperazinyl which is N-loweralkylsubstituted; and R³ is hydrogen; straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl,provided that when R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo;aryl; aryl substituted with up to two members selected from the groupconsisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy, halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkylsubstituted amino; heteroaryl; formyl C₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl. 4.A composition according to claim 3 wherein the compound is a memberselected from the group consisting essentially of:5. 5.6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-methylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.
 5. A method ofinhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi comprising contacting saidbacteria and fungi with a bactericidally and fungicidally effectiveamount of a compound of the formula. ##STR6## wherein: Hal is bromine orchlorine; andR is halo; mono- or di-substituted mono- ordiloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkyl substituents are hydroxy orloweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano; mercapto; straight orbranched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- or-disubstituted loweralkylthiowherein the substituents are hydroxy, amino, loweralkanoylamino, orloweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio; loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl;R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl; R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n) COOR¹,where R^(a) is hydrogen, loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3; R¹ andR² are taken together with an oxygen or nitrogen atom to formmorpholino, piperazinyl, or piperazinyl which is N-loweralkylsubstituted; and R³ is hydrogen; straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl,provided that when R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo;aryl; aryl substituted with up to two members selected from the groupconsisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy, halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkylsubstituted amino; heteroaryl; formyl C₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl. 6.A method according to claim 5 wherein the compound is a member selectedfrom the group consisting essentiallyof:5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-(1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.
 7. A method ofinhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi in aqueous slurries of claysor pigments comprising incorporating into said aqueous slurry so as tocontact said bacteria and fungi, at least a bactericidally andfungicidally effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR7##wherein: Hal is bromine or chlorine; andR is halo; mono- ordi-substituted mono- or diloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkylsubstituents are hydroxy or loweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano;mercapto; straight or branched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- ordi-substituted loweralkylthio wherein the substituents are hydroxy,amino, loweralkanoylamino, or loweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio;loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl; R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl;R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n) COOR^(a), where R¹ is hydrogen,loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3; R¹ and R² are taken togetherwith an oxygen or nitrogen atom to form morpholino, piperazinyl, orpiperazinyl which is N-loweralkyl substituted; and R³ is hydrogen;straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl, provided that when R³ is hydrogen orC₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo; aryl; aryl substituted with up to twomembers selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy,halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkyl substituted amino; heteroaryl; formylC₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl.
 8. A method according to claim 7 whereinthe compound is a member selected from the group consisting essentiallyof:5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-mehthylthio-2- (4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.
 9. A method ofinhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi in latex paints and latexemulsions and adhesives comprising incorporating into said latex paints,emulsions, and adhesives so as to contact said bacteria and fungi, atleast a bactericidally and fungicidally effective amount of a compoundof the formula: ##STR8## wherein: Hal is bromine or chlorine; andR ishalo; mono- or di-substituted mono- or diloweralkylamino wherein theloweralkyl substituents are hydroxy or loweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino;thiocyano; mercapto; straight or branched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- ordi-substituted loweralkylthio wherein the substituents are hydroxy,amino, loweralkanoylamino, or loweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio;loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl; R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl;R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n) COOR^(a), where R^(a) is hydrogen,loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3; R¹ and R² are taken togetherwith an oxygen or nitrogen atom to form morpholino, piperazinyl, orpiperazinyl which is N-loweralkyl substituted; and R³ is hydrogen;straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl, provided that when R³ is hydrogen orC₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo; aryl; aryl substituted with up to twomembers selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy,halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkyl substituted amino; heteroaryl; formylC₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl.
 10. A method according to claim 9 whereinthe compound is a member selected from the group consisting essentiallyof:5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.
 11. A method ofinhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi in metalworking fluidscomprising incorporating into said fluids so as to contact said bacteriaand fungi, at least a bactericidally and fungicidally effective amountof a compound of the formula: ##STR9## wherein: Hal is bromine orchlorine; andR is halo; mono- or di-substituted mono- ordiloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkyl substituents are hydroxy orloweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano; mercapto; straight orbranched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- or di-substituted loweralkylthiowherein the substituents are hydroxy, amino, loweralkanoylamino, orloweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio; loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl;R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl; R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n)COOR^(a), where R^(a) is hydrogen, loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to3; R¹ and R² are taken together with an oxygen or nitrogen atom to formmorpholino, piperazinyl, or piperazinyl which is N-loweralkylsubstituted; and R³ is hydrogen; straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl,provided that when R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo;aryl; aryl substituted with up to two members selected from the groupconsisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy, halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkylsubstituted amino; heteroaryl; formyl C₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl. 12.A method according to claim 1 wherein the compound is a member selectedfrom the group consisting essentially of: 5.6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.
 13. A method forprotecting soil, seeds, plants and crops against destructive bacteriaand fungi which comprises applying thereto a bactericidally andfungicidally effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR10##wherein: Hal is bromine or chlorine; andR is halo; mono- ordi-substituted mono- or diloweralkylamino wherein the loweralkylsubstituents are hydroxy or loweralkanoyloxy; 4-morpholino; thiocyano;mercapto; straight or branched chain C₁₋₈ alkylthio; mono- ordi-substituted loweralkylthio wherein the substituents are hydroxy,amino, loweralkanoylamino, or loweralkoxycarbonyl; arylthio;loweralkylsulfoxy; or loweralkylsulfonyl; R¹ is hydrogen; or loweralkyl;R² is hydroxyloweralkyl; (CH₂)_(n) COOR^(a), where R^(a) is hydrogen,loweralkyl, or benzyl; and n is 1 to 3; R¹ and R² are taken togetherwith an oxygen or nitrogen atom to form morpholino, piperazinyl, orpiperazinyl which is N-loweralkyl substituted; and R³ is hydrogen;straight or branched C₁₋₈ alkyl, provided that when R³ is hydrogen orC₁₋₈ alkyl, R is other than halo; aryl; aryl substituted with up to twomembers selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy,halo, and mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkyl substituted amino; heteroaryl; formylC₂₋₄ alkenyl; or C₂₋₄ alkenyl.
 14. A method according to claim 13wherein the compound is a member selected from the group consistingessentially of:5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-((1-methylethyl)thio)-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-6-dimethylamino-3-formyl-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-3-formyl-6-methylthio-2-(4-morpholino)pyrazine;5-chloro-2,6-di-(4-morpholino)-3-formylpyrazine;5,6-dichloro-3-formyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminopyrazine.